A horse with paint on its body showing where bones in its skeleton are, with a rider on its back, jumping over a jump
BSc (Hons) Available in Clearing

Equine Performance Science

Learn how to manage the human-horse partnership. Study at ARU in Writtle and cover areas such as training, coaching, nutrition and performance.

Horses are complex animals, and supporting their performance requires thoughtful management.

At ARU in Writtle, you’ll explore areas such as training, coaching, health, nutrition, management and the business of equine performance.

By combining scientific knowledge with practical application, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the principles underpinning horse health and management. You’ll also explore elements such as coaching the rider, saddle fit, behaviour, farriery, managing gait abnormalities and more.

You’ll be based in the Equine Training and Development Centre in Writtle, which offers extensive facilities including a working stable yard, riding arenas and an equine therapy barn. There are around 70 horses on campus, and you’re able to bring your own horse to university too: find out more about our DIY Livery Yard.

As well as our 3-year degree, you have the option of studying over 1 year to gain a Certificate in Higher Education.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Why ARU?
  • Having the ARU Writtle Academy riders and their horses on site, students can see first hand how each horse is trained as an individual depending on their status and discipline

  • Case study examples are embedded into the delivery in as many scenarios as possible as they are key to giving 'real life' experiences

  • Learn on our Equine Training and Development Centre, which offers extensive facilities including a working stable yard, riding arenas and an equine therapy barn

  • Gain a thorough grounding in the scientific principles enhancing horse health and performance

  • Join our Equine Academy, which supports talented competition riders and provides coaching from UKCC-qualified coaches

  • Choose one of our DIY livery packages and bring your horse to university while you study

Course options

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Equine Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
  • Equine Practical Skills (15 credits)
  • Equine Health Management (15 credits)
  • Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
  • Breeding and Foaling (15 credits)
  • Saddle Fit and Farriery (15 credits)
  • Functional Anatomy (15 credits)
  • Assessment for Performance and Health (15 credits) *
  • Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits) *
Year 2
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Business Skills (15 credits)
  • Equitation and Coaching (15 credits)
  • Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
  • Equine Health and Disease (15 credits)
  • Young Horse Production (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Animal Biomechanics (15 credits) *
  • Extrinsic Factors Affecting Equine Performance (15 credits) *
  • Equine Behaviour Science (15 credits) *
  • Equine Research Technology (15 credits) *
  • Business Innovation (15 credits) *
  • Developing Professional Practice and Using Information in HR (15 credits) *
Year 3
  • Major Project (30 credits)
  • Applied and Clinical Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
  • Behavioural Wellbeing (15 credits)
  • Equine Biotechnology (15 credits)
  • Equitation Science (15 credits)
  • Influencing Equine Performance (15 credits) *
  • Biomechanics (15 credits) *
  • Equine Growth and Development (15 credits) *
  • Sports Medicine (15 credits) *
  • International Intercultural Management (30 credits) *
  • The Reflective and Empathetic Entrepreneur (30 credits) *
  • Employment Law and Relations (30 credits) *
Module details

If you study the Cert HE, you'll complete core modules from Year 1 of the BSc (Hons) course.

Our course team includes industry-experienced staff and practitioners in equine rehabilitation, behaviour, nutrition and breeding, as well as competition riders and UKCC coaches.

Facilities

Study equine courses with ARU in Writtle and benefit from our Equine Training and Development Centre. We have around 70 horses on campus, with a working stable yard, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, an oval horse walker, therapy barn. On our 150-hectare campus with grazing and space for events we have a DIY Livery Yard for students' horses. Take a guided tour and meet our students.

You’ll also be able to make full use of facilities including extensive library and IT resources and access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.

Equine Academy: support for talented riders

The Equine Academy at ARU Writtle supports a group of competition-level riders every year. It offers training sessions for the rider, stabling for the horse, and access to our equine facilities and experienced support staff.

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.

Careers

As a graduate you'll have strong practical and commercial insight, and be ready to contribute positively to equine performance.

Some of the job roles you may consider in the equine industry are:

  • horse and rider instructor
  • equine nutrition
  • show co-ordinator/event manager
  • equine trainer/educator
  • competition horse production.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Equine Performance Science.

Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

Apply for Equine Performance Science

Clearing places available

UK students, apply online

UK students

Call our Clearing line

01245 686868

UK students

Apply through UCAS for 2026

International students

Apply direct

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Aerial view of campus buildings and grounds in Writtle

Life in Writtle

Close to major cities, ARU Writtle is located on a picturesque 150-hectare campus in the heart of the Essex countryside.

Explore the Writtle campus